Every year, Rospotrebnadzor of the Russian Federation, together with its regional offices, organizes inspections of water zones throughout the country. Thus, in 2020, swimming is officially permitted in 3,035 recreation areas throughout Russia, including both sea coasts and the shores of freshwater bodies of water.
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To check water bodies for safety, the agency collects water samples at 3,548 control points throughout the year and examines them for sanitary-chemical and microbiological indicators. As of the end of July 2020, 11.8% of samples did not meet sanitary and chemical standards, and 7.6% did not meet microbiological standards.
The coastal zone must also meet certain safety criteria. You can find out which beaches are approved by Rospotrebnadzor in a particular region and are recognized as safe for swimming on the websites of the agency’s regional offices.
What shouldn't be on or near a safe beach?
Prohibition signs. First of all, a safe beach should not have signs prohibiting swimming. A body of water may be unsafe for swimming, even if the water looks clean - there may be debris at the bottom, and the water may not meet sanitary-chemical or microbiological standards, be heavily polluted and unsuitable even for swimming.
Factories, ports, factories. If there is a plant, factory or other industrial enterprise near the beach, there is a risk that toxic waste may be discharged into the body of water. They can cause an allergic reaction, skin irritation, and in some cases poisoning upon contact with the skin or upon ingestion. As a rule, the water in such places has a specific color - cloudy, dark brown - and an unpleasant odor. However, even if the pond appears clean, it is worth looking for a place to swim away from factory pipes. A beach near the port would not be the best option in terms of water purity.
Waterfowl. Swans, geese, ducks, and seagulls choose to live in water bodies in which there are many snails that live on algae - this is one of the main types of food for these birds. In turn, snails are an intermediate link for cercariae larvae - parasitic flatworms that live in the circulatory system of birds, but are able to penetrate human skin and cause dermatitis.
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“Blooming” water and mud. Not only is it unpleasant to swim in such a body of water, but the mud and surface of aquatic plants are an excellent habitat for the above-mentioned snails. In itself, the summer “blooming” of water is not dangerous - it is the result of the presence in the reservoir of an excess amount of nutrients, high temperatures and an abundance of sunlight, which causes the rapid development of phytoplankton (blue-green algae). However, do not forget that a variety of bacteria can live in water, including pathogens of enterovirus infections, salmonellosis, polio, dysentery, leptospirosis, hepatitis A and others. The sanitary and epidemiological service monitors this and warns about where you can swim and where you can’t.
Livestock. Domestic animals - cows, horses, small livestock - are often brought to small bodies of water to drink. As a rule, in such places on the shore you can see hoof prints, and the water may be contaminated with animal excrement. Therefore, there is a high risk of contracting an intestinal infection or picking up helminths - parasitic worms.
Carwash. Some, without thinking about the consequences for others and, in particular, for the ecosystem of the reservoir, use rivers and lakes for washing cars. In this case, the water is also polluted by chemical compounds. And to the likelihood of catching an infection is added the risk of allergic dermatitis.
If a river flows into the sea not far from the beach, its waters can also become a source of pollution of the coastal zone (for example, if an industrial enterprise is located upstream of the river).
Vacation etiquette rules
Imagine that you are sunbathing on the beach and suddenly a ball flies at your head. Or someone’s child rushes a few centimeters from you, kicking up clouds of sand with its legs.
And after him, with a wild squeal that bursts your eardrums, his friend rushes.
Or you smeared yourself with cream, dozed off in the sun in a sun lounger and suddenly sand flies at you from under the scoop of a “cute” child who, sitting next to you, is making Easter cakes.
Instead of calmly taking him aside and scolding him, his mother loudly shouts at him.
The child, of course, will cry heart-rendingly, and the parent will spank him so that everyone can see what a wonderful teacher she is.
Cursing and indignant, you will look for another place on the beach, but it is possible that there, too, some little one will want to play in the sand.
Or you're swimming in a hotel pool and a cheerful toddler jumps right at you.
In addition, many children never say hello, and even if you greet them first, you are unlikely to receive an answer.
Many also throw candy papers and ice cream wrappers on the streets, and in restaurants they scream like crazy and run around the tables.
It is not so much television or their friends that has a negative influence on little rascals, but rather their own parents.
According to statistics, 42 percent of children follow the example of their fathers and mothers, 38 percent try to imitate their friends, and 28 percent copy the disgusting manners of the heroes of action movies and third-rate cartoons.
Of the negative examples that parents set for their children, careless attitude towards nature comes first.
Seventy-seven percent of adults trample lawns, cut down trees for fires, and do not clean up their waste after a picnic.
Seventy-two percent never give up seats in transport to disabled people, pregnant women and the elderly.
In addition, many adults do not know how to sit at the table, often utter indecent words in front of children, speak in a raised voice and are arrogant towards those who are below them on the social ladder.
It is not surprising that in such families children grow up completely ill-mannered - after all, parental example has a much greater influence on the younger generation than any educational measures.
Denmark is rightfully considered the most well-behaved country: only 15 percent of adults there trample their lawns.
Italy, together with Russia, stands at the very end, after Spain and Portugal. But Germans have the worst table behavior: 42 percent do not know how to use a knife and fork and talk with their mouths full.
Proper use of cell phones is also an indicator of good (or bad) parenting.
When in public places, only 12 percent of Italians and 5 percent of Russians mute their cell phones, while 89 percent of Danes and 74 percent of Germans protect the ears and nerves of others.
Come to any resort, on the beach, in restaurants, in parks, it’s the same thing everywhere – little Italians, Russians and Spaniards scream at the top of their lungs, and their mothers try to out-shout them.
Only a few take their offspring aside and make a suggestion to them.
Many children constantly interrupt adults when they are talking to each other, and their parents do not make any comments to them.
Looking past the failures in raising their offspring, they apparently do not think about the fact that when the children grow up, with such manners it will be difficult for them to find a decent life partner and get a good job.
It is no coincidence that in Scandinavian countries rules of etiquette are taught in secondary schools.
When going to a resort with a child, you need to choose a place where mostly couples with children relax.
After all, hotel guests who dream of spending a relaxing vacation will find it very tiring to endure the screams and running of children.
In a family hotel, parents will be able to make friends with each other and have a great time, and children busy playing together will not disturb them.
You can tell children endlessly about how people should behave during the holidays - about the culture of recreation, the rules of conduct on the beach and in other resort places - but without the personal example of moms and dads, not a single conversation will have any effect.
What should a safe shore look like?
If a prohibiting sign is not installed on the beach, this does not guarantee complete safety for swimmers. Especially if we are talking about a natural, undeveloped beach that is not checked by anyone.
It will not be possible to check the bottom of a reservoir without special equipment, but it is quite possible to study the shore before plunging into the water. On a safe beach, the descent should be smooth and even, without sudden changes or cliffs. In addition, there should be no such “signs of civilization” on the shore as concrete blocks or fragments, wire, broken bottles, industrial waste, etc.
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On the beach and by the pool
Even if the area of your beach looks more like a seal rookery, and looking at the crowd of people you remember scenes from the movie “Be My Husband,” you should still adhere to certain rules of etiquette. By the way, they very much depend on what type of beach you are relaxing on. Beaches can be family or general, topless beaches (where girls can sunbathe without an outer swimsuit), nudist (here you are supposed to be without clothes) and separate for men and women. Depending on the type of beach, your “dress code” also depends.
What should a “civilized” city beach be like?
Rospotrebnadzor sets certain standards that organized beaches must comply with. Thus, according to the department’s requirements, a minimum of 4 square meters should be allocated for one child on the beach. meters, and for one adult - at least 8 square meters. meters. At the same time, it is recommended to allocate 5-7% of the total beach area for the children's sector.
Also, the beach area should be surrounded by green spaces - approximately 20-40% of the entire beach area.
In addition, functional areas should be organized on the beach:
- recreation area with shady canopies - about 40-60% of the entire territory;
- service area with a buffet, wardrobe, water equipment rental building, etc. - about 5-8% of the area;
- sports area with playgrounds, boat station, etc. - at least 10% of the beach.
Also, in accordance with the recommendations of Rospotrebnadzor, beach areas must be equipped with shower facilities. The sanitary sector must have a toilet (this is a mandatory requirement). Garbage containers are supposed to be installed on special concrete sites with convenient access, and garbage must be removed from them daily.
A Guide to Nude Beach Etiquette
In such places, it is impolite to look closely at what nudists are doing on the beach. In fact, it's considered rude no matter where you are—and no matter whether the other person is clothed or not. Nudism is a way of life that embraces the human body in all its forms. For people at a nudist beach, this is not a show. If you're looking for a thrill, go elsewhere.
Ask people for consent before taking photos, especially if they are naked.
Be friendly , but respect others' privacy rights. Many people simply enjoy being naked in nature and don't want to be disturbed. Unwanted acquaintances are not accepted anywhere, especially on a nudist beach.
You don't want to accidentally offend someone.
Photo pixabay.com
Traveling around the world has become much easier, and cultural boundaries seem to begin to blur and merge. But the countries are still very different, and you must keep this in mind when planning to travel to another country. Especially if she is very far from you (not only geographically).
Just as foreigners are surprised that it is not customary for us to whistle indoors, some nations also have traditions that seem a little strange to us.
Here are some instructions from us for your upcoming travels. By becoming familiar with these traditions, you will avoid getting into an awkward situation.
What else is worth remembering on the beach?
You can feel absolutely free and at ease only on a deserted coast, but only a few travelers can afford such an exceptional vacation. While staying on a public beach, you should follow a number of certain rules so as not to ruin the holiday for others. If possible, you should be located on the coast at a distance of at least five meters from the nearest vacationers. For those who are accustomed to taking a beach umbrella with them to the sea, it is necessary to install it in such a way that the umbrella does not block the view of the sea from the neighbors. While on a public beach, you should not talk too loudly among yourself or on the phone, and listen to music only with headphones. Vacationers with children should also take into account an important nuance. It is best for them to be located as close to the water as possible, so that children will not disturb others with their games. Some travelers like to go to the beach with their pets. Even if vacationing on the coast with pets is not prohibited, you should not bathe them in the same place where people bathe. Not all vacationers can approach such an initiative with understanding.
